The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association has appointed veteran sports administrator D. Zorol Barthley as its new general secretary, effective June 1, as the organization prepares for the upcoming Concacaf Under-20 Championship and broader efforts to strengthen football administration.
The appointment places Barthley in charge of the association’s day-to-day operations at a time when the ABFA is seeking to advance administrative reforms, expand stakeholder engagement and support long-term development of the sport.
ABFA President Ickford Roberts welcomed the appointment, describing Barthley as “a proven Caribbean sports executive whose experience, professionalism, and operational capabilities will be invaluable to the continued advancement of football in Antigua & Barbuda.”
Barthley brings decades of experience in sports administration and management. A former West Indies Under-19 cricket captain, he has served in several senior leadership positions, including chief cricket operations officer of the West Indies Cricket Board, president of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association and vice president of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association.
His experience also includes serving as deputy chairman of the Caribbean Premier League Tournament Committee, sports tourism consultant to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and player agent in the Indian Premier League. He currently serves as chairman of PIC Insurance Company Ltd.
In accepting the position, Barthley said football has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to youth development and national growth.
“Football has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance our administrative systems, strengthen our football structures, and position Antigua & Barbuda for sustainable success regionally and internationally.”
Among his immediate priorities are supporting the national Under-20 programme, strengthening relationships with clubs and stakeholders, securing commercial partnerships and creating opportunities for greater youth participation in football administration.
The ABFA said the appointment represents an important step in its efforts to expand and develop football throughout Antigua and Barbuda.